3 Hamilton lottery winners take home a combined $400,000
Three Hamilton-area lottery winners are taking home a combined $400,000 from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, (OLG).
The OLG announced the prize awards in a series of news releases on Jan. 31.
Leon Jane Aisho of Hamilton won a top prize of $250,000 with Instant Crossword Deluxe.
The 57-year-old retail worker checked his ticket using the OLG App when he discovered his big win.
"I've been playing the lottery for over 25 years," he said in the news release. "This was a normal ticket purchase - I didn't expect a win this big!"
The winning ticket was purchased at Mac's on Mohawk Road.
Aisho plans to invest in his children's education, purchase a new car and save for retirement, according to the release.
"This win is life changing. I feel very lucky," he added.
Also claiming a six-figure payout, Tanya Monahan of Hamilton is $100,000 richer after winning with Instant Ultimate.
Monahan, 45, is an occasional lottery player. Her winning ticket, purchased at Big Bonus Convenience and Food Mart on Queenston Road, was a stocking stuffer Christmas gift from her husband.
"When I got the ticket, I made a joke that I felt like I was Willy Wonka from the chocolate factory and this was my golden ticket," she said in the release. "At the end of a busy Christmas Day, I sat down to play my ticket and realized I won $100,000. My heart was pounding! My whole family was around for that moment."
Monahan plans to treat her husband to a nice birthday present to thank him for this gift, put some money toward a new vehicle, pay some bills and save.
"I am humbled and so grateful," she added.
Hamilton resident Debra Weber is also taking home a $50,000 top prize with Instant Crossword.
Weber, 61, has been playing lottery games since she was 18. Her favourites are Instant Crossword and Bingo.
I love the thrill of scratching!" she said in the news release.
The mother of three added that when she realized she won she didn't know whether to scream, cry or dance.
I felt frozen - my mind became blank," she said. When I told my parents and daughter, they were so excited for me."
Weber plans to pay bills and help her parents and daughter with her winnings.
Her winning ticket was purchased at Rexall on Parkdale Avenue.